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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Management of antithrombotic drugs in association with endoscopic procedures
Insights
Managing patients on antithrombotic drugs undergoing endoscopy requires balancing bleeding and thrombosis risks. This guide offers clinical answers and protocols for safe endoscopic procedures in these common scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Antithrombotic drug use (anticoagulants, antiplatelets) is rising due to increased cardiovascular risk awareness.
- Endoscopic procedures in patients on these therapies are becoming more frequent.
- Managing these patients involves complex decisions balancing bleeding and thrombosis risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinical guidance for endoscopists managing patients on antithrombotic therapy.
- To outline action algorithms and practical protocols for endoscopy units.
- To facilitate informed decision-making regarding antithrombotic drug management during endoscopic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Consensus development involving four scientific societies.
- Review of pharmacology, indications, and risks of antithrombotic drugs.
- Development of clinical answers, action algorithms, and protocol proposals.
Main Results:
- Clinical answers addressing the use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants.
- Action algorithms to guide decision-making.
- A practical protocol proposal for endoscopy units.
Conclusions:
- Understanding antithrombotic drug management is crucial for safe endoscopy.
- Collaboration between endoscopists, cardiologists, and hematologists is essential.
- Standardized protocols can mitigate risks associated with endoscopy in patients on antithrombotics.
Abstract:
The use of antithrombotic drugs (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) has increased significantly with our understanding of cardiovascular risk. Encountering patients on these therapies who require an endoscopic procedure is therefore increasingly common. At decision making the endoscopist must rely on other specialists (basically cardiologists and hematologists) as risk not only lies among increased bleeding odds but also in the possibility of thrombosis following dose discontinuation or change. Understanding the pharmacology, indications, and risks of endoscopic procedures is therefore essential if sound decisions are to be made. The efforts of four scientific societies have been brought together to provide clinical answers on the use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants, as well as action algorithms and a practical protocol proposal for endoscopy units.
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